The leaves are slowly changing colors here in California and we had our first rain of the fall/winter seasons. However, we’re already well into the swing of things with fall and are all enjoying our pumpkin spice, apple cider, and tall boots. Even if the leaves are a little slow in revealing their autumn colors, […]

The leaves are slowly changing colors here in California and we had our first rain of the fall/winter seasons. However, we’re already well into the swing of things with fall and are all enjoying our pumpkin spice, apple cider, and tall boots. Even if the leaves are a little slow in revealing their autumn colors, we’re celebrating the many hues of fall with these 6 Studio projects that will inspire you with the feelings of fall.

1. Rustic Fall Mixed-Media Canvas

Add a touch of rustic elegance to your mixed-media canvas with touches of orange paired with burlap and corrugated cardboard.

2. Harvest Affaire Pinecone Place Cards

Throw a fall soiree with these festive place card holders. Add touches of the fall color scheme to tie your whole table together and send your guests home with a special goodie to remind them of all the fall fun.

4. I’m Thankful Harvest Affaire Laminated Placemats Project

Whether you’re listing what you’re thankful for at Thanksgiving dinner, or throwing a harvest-themed dinner party, decorate your table with these simple kraft paper placemats. Add a stamped design, give your guests a place to write, or add some autumn leaves before laminating for a decorative touch to your dinner table that is sure to please.

There’s a lot to love about autumn — the relief from hot summer days, the change of scenery from green to golden-brown, and all the fun activities. This season encompasses my two favorite holidays, Halloween and Thanksgiving. There’s nothing quite as fun as giving candy to little witches and cowboys, or whatever other imaginative creature […]

There’s a lot to love about autumn — the relief from hot summer days, the change of scenery from green to golden-brown, and all the fun activities. This season encompasses my two favorite holidays, Halloween and Thanksgiving. There’s nothing quite as fun as giving candy to little witches and cowboys, or whatever other imaginative creature manages to make its way to my door, and the spirit of Thanksgiving is something that I’ve learned to appreciate a lot more as the years have passed. But by far, one of the best things about this season is all the wonderful projects and home décor ideas.

Autumn doesn’t have to be as over-the-top as winter or as understated as summer. Warm, neutral colors like browns, oranges, and beiges are great for décor, while personalizing the style is as easy as adding a bit of blue, green, or gold. Pumpkins, a staple of the fall season, come in all shapes, sizes, and even colors, plus you can use them in many projects and recipes. And that’s just the tip of the iceberg! There are so many unique and interesting themes that go well with this season; if you need inspiration, just take a look on Pinterest.

In case you haven’t noticed yet, this is my favorite season so I am very happy to offer some ideas for a more authentic and artful autumn. You don’t need much to make the most of this time of year — just a few simple touches can bring in all the warmth of autumn right into your home.

Eight Artful Autumn Projects

1.Seasonal Hutch“As the summer months begin to fade and the cool breezes of fall approach, I often turn to more neutral tones reminiscent of the harvest. Incorporating seasonal pumpkins — in this case, white babyboos— is an easy way to once again change the look of your display.”

One of my favorite things to decorate with seasonally-themed items is my living room hutch. It’s an often overlooked and underappreciated place, but with just a few special touches, it can bring a whole room together.

2.Jars of Spice
Spice racks make a wonderful display piece for any kitchen — but if you want to take a more rustic approach, ditch the organizers and display your tasty seasonings in darling little mason jars. You can take this a step further and add a bit of twine and a beautiful Cosmo Cricket Show Topper. Pick rich, vibrantly colored spices and put them out on your counter, or next to your stove. They’ll add warmth and functionality to your kitchen.

3.Find Inspiration Everywhere“The power of finding beauty in the humblest things makes home happy and life lovely.”

~Louisa May Alcott

Whether you travel cross country to walk along the beach for the first time, or simply take a stroll out to your mailbox — look at the world with a hopeful heart and see the possibility that exists in everything. From broken seashells to the smallest dried leaf, nature has an abundance of beauty, and it’s there available to us all. This is a lot more apparent — in my opinion — during the fall. Collect any bits and pieces that interest you such as leaves, pinecones, stones, or anything else that catches your fancy, and then use them in your projects or display them out on a plate.

4.Cinnamon Pumpkin Candles“What do you do when you can’t control the impulse to buy cute little pumpkins every time you visit the grocery store? … You might be thinking, “Duh, bake a pie!” Nope. Here’s what you do: You make pumpkin candles!”

~Stephanie Gerber

After seeing how easy it is to recreate these little candles, I absolutely agree with Stephanie. Making candles is a great and unexpected way to use your pumpkins, all you need for this is some wax pellets, a double broiler, a handful of wicks, some cinnamon sticks, and a few other materials. You can find the step-by-step instructions in the 2014 autumn issue of Somerset Life.

5.Thankful Harvest Affaire Laminate Placemats ProjectThis project is simple but incredibly thoughtful. Cut out some kraft paper to use as placemats and then write “I’m Thankful For…” on the top right hand corner. You can embellish these placemats with stamps, stickers, leaf die cuts, or anything else you want. Use these during your Thanksgiving dinner and have your guests write down things that they are grateful for and then share once everyone is done. If you use permanent marker, you can even let your guests take them home as a lovely party favor.

6.Stovetop Potpourri
Throw a few slices of apples, some fresh orange peel, a couple of cinnamon sticks, and a handful of cloves into a pot of water and then set it to simmer on your stovetop. That’s all you need to create a wonderfully aromatic experience for your friends and family. The smell will fill your home with the sweet-smells and warmth attributed to autumn get-togethers. Just be sure to watch your pot carefully — you don’t want the water to completely evaporate and burn your pot.

~Photograph and project by Haeley Giambalvo from the pages of Somerset Life.

7.Harvest Affaire Wrapped Pumpkin Muffins
There’s already something very comforting about freshly baked muffins, but you can go a step further and add a little rustic charm by wrapping each one in some wax paper and a piece of natural hemp cord. This beautifully presented treat is the perfect snack to arrange in a basket and give to a friend along with artfully packaged jams, or you can take them along on a mid afternoon walk.

8.Telling a Story with Timeworn Pieces
Vintage décor items are already quite beautiful and they always exhibit a unique charm, but I think they really come to life during the fall. Maybe it’s because autumn already feels so antique and timeworn, so it works to compliment vintage objects. Twigs, berries, and other autumn foliage are all great options for sprucing up an old vase, while setting a uniquely colored pumpkin next to it can pull it all together. A display like the one featured above doesn’t have to be expensive, but the results can be rather stunning.

These eight projects are easy to replicate and will make your autumn feel more artful and definitely more enchanting. Let us know if you’ll be trying out any of these projects or if you have something else in the works!

Need More Artful Living Ideas?

Craft your living space to suit your tastes with the unique home décor accents inside this artful collection. From antique wares and display pieces to vintage finds and feminine wearables, you can also find memorable gifts that will surprise and impress on occasion.

Put excuses to rest and awaken your creative muse with this easy and fun party card project. Now you can send loved ones personal greetings this holiday season to remind them how much they mean to you in only a few simple steps! 3 Simple Steps DIY: 1) Start by gluing vintage French text […]

Put excuses to rest and awaken your creative muse with this easy and fun party card project. Now you can send loved ones personal greetings this holiday season to remind them how much they mean to you in only a few simple steps!

3 Simple Steps DIY:

1) Start by gluing vintage French text or ephemera designs to a stack of plain orange greeting cards.

2) Use an assortment of Red Lead tape stamps and washi tape for an interesting texture combination. Our Shoppe Manager Vanessa Spencer likes to create “stacked” washi designs, so she starts in one area by stamping a washi design and then adds various washi tape patterns that pair well.

3) Add some fun Halloween themed words to a corner of the card using the seasonal Chit Chat sheet by Tim Holtz. You can add even more personal flair by writing your own spooky words and phrases using our artist pens.

Now your assortment of Halloween cards are ready to send, as simple as that! Feel free to coordinate with different autumn themed colors to create your own specially designed version.

Looking for more card-making DIY ideas? Click here to browse over 200 tutorials!

]]>https://stampington.com/blog/2013/10/10/3-simple-steps-diy-mixed-media-halloween-party-cards/feed/6Somerset Place: The Official Blog of Stampington &amp; CompanyAn Air of Romance: Discover What’s Inside the Crisp New October Issueshttps://stampington.com/blog/2013/10/01/air-of-romance-open-up-the-crisp-new-october-issues/
https://stampington.com/blog/2013/10/01/air-of-romance-open-up-the-crisp-new-october-issues/#commentsTue, 01 Oct 2013 15:01:06 +0000http://stampington.com/blog/?p=7056

Some of our most iconic Stampington titles are coming out this month, and I can’t wait to open up the pages to show you a special glimpse inside! With holiday traditions and spiced pumpkin lattes just around the corner, you’ll definitely want to add this repertoire of stunning autumn editions to your list of luxury […]

Some of our most iconic Stampington titles are coming out this month, and I can’t wait to open up the pages to show you a special glimpse inside! With holiday traditions and spiced pumpkin lattes just around the corner, you’ll definitely want to add this repertoire of stunning autumn editions to your list of luxury must-haves this season. Please join me as we delve into the epic artistry and inspiring ideas brimming from the pages of our new enchanting October titles.

Special Discount → $5 off any October title of your choice!

We want to offer our blog subscribers an exclusive promo code to receive $5 off any October title of your choice. ($5 off discount code can be used only one time per customer.)

Use Promo Code*: BLOG1013 at checkout

***

There’s a little bit of everything to satisfy your festive appetite this autumn within the newest issue of Mingle. Flip through page after page of inspiration to find a vintage Disney party, a glamorous camping celebration for a teen, and a rustic and cozy Friendsgiving. You’ll also get an inside look at Sugar & Spice, a fun art retreat with Juliette Crane, Danielle Daniel, and Mindy Lacefield. Poe fans beware: We reveal a romantic, gothic wedding shoot that’s perfect for Halloween, and Audrey Hepburn lovers will be mesmerized by an “Affaire at Tiffany’s.”

Let go and feel free as you embark on a soulful journey with the autumn installment of Somerset Life. First destination: Vivienne McMaster’s touching story of Being Your Own Beloved. Then, buckle up for a creative ride as Madelyn Mulvaney takes us along on a road trip that’s guaranteed to inspire. Need a pit stop? There are plenty of handmade project ideas to occupy you while you stretch your legs, such as Halloween décor using washi tape, clever ways to embellish clothespins, and a homespun approach to Christmas. You can put away your map because this must-read issue is one scenic route you’ll want to take again and again.

Autumn will soon be in the air and this issue of Somerset Memories will warm your heart and ignite your muse as you sit by the fire and delight in the wonderful scrapbook layouts and memory art filling these pages. The popularity of Instagram is front and center in a darling, palm-sized mini book by artist Emmanuelle Chauvin, along with a beautiful and colorful journal by the talented Mou Saha. Artist Connie Freedman will inspire you with an enchanting, handsome canvas made in honor of her grandfather, and author/artist Melody Nuñez shares her collection of short stories in “Altered Existence” along with the cabinet cards that inspired her novella.

Dive into a world of heartfelt art with the Autumn 2013 issue of Art Journaling. The vibrant and emotional artwork of Traci Bunkers graces the pages of the Artist Portfolio, and you’ll learn how to build a visual vocabulary with Kelly Kilmer. For ideas on documenting those memorable summer vacations, the gorgeous travel journals of Jacqueline Newbold and Chrisanne Robertson are sure to fill you with inspiration. This issue will also help you get a head start on the holidays: Follow Tori Weyer’s lead, and create a Christmas box journal filled with your thoughts and memories of the season.

Covering a wide variety of techniques, you will be amazed by the bags created by Ruth Rae, Kelly Billeaudeaux, Viv Sliwka, and many more in the new Haute Handbags! Learn how to create your own iPad cozy, and read how you can stitch rug and leather into a yoga bag. From mixed-media and free-form stitched bags to bohemian meets shabby-chic inspired clutches and repurposed plastic bags — this issue is filled with delectable sights from beginning to end.

This issue of Jewelry Affaireis dripping with beautifully adorned accessories created from truly amazing artists. Lori Anderson shares her ever-so-popular Bead Soup Blog Parties, showing some of the winners from the most recent soiree. Introducing a new section: feast your eyes upon our steampunk collection filled with vintage watches, antique gears, watch hands, and cast-offs. Last, but not least, venture through pages overflowing with nature-inspired jewels that range from crocheted flowers to tie-dye rosettes – enough beauty to make you fall in love with this issue.

The Autumn 2013 issue of Somerset Workshop is filled with fabulous techniques by some of the hottest Somerset artists. Indulge in sweet and simple projects by Colette Copeland, colorful and whimsical mixed-media by Junelle Jacobsen, quirky and playful stitched artwork by Taryn Reece, and mixed-media metalwork with Jen Cushman. Each chapter is illustrated from start to finish with simple, stepped-out photographs and clear instructions to help you create exciting projects from the comfort of your own home.

Kick off the most wonderful time of the year by diving into our special holiday issue of The Stampers’ Sampler! With 25+ pages of Thanksgiving and Christmas-themed inspiration, you are sure to find something that will awaken the spirit and magic of the holiday season in you. Guest Artist Jen del Muro’s charming and colorful cards take the top spot this issue, and articles include a unique feather-stamping technique, fantasy-themed cards that seamlessly blend stamping and hand-doodling, and an extraordinary, stamped look-book that is sure to knock your socks off.

*Your Chance to Win!

[This giveaway has ended.]

Want to win one of these new titles? Simply follow these steps for your chance to receive your favorite October issue! Winner is selected at random.

1) Pick your favorite spread from above and share it with your friends on Facebook or Pinterest. Make sure you tag us!

2) Click on your favorite spread from above and you’ll be taken to the description page. Peruse through the images or read the description and let us know what you’re most looking forward to reading about in the blog comments below!

*$5 off discount applies to purchases of any of the following October (Autumn ’13) issues: Art Journaling, Haute Handbags, Jewelry Affaire, Mingle, Somerset Life, Somerset Memories, The Stampers’ Sampler, and Somerset Workshop. Discount code can be used only one time per customer and expires 10/31/13. Contest is open to U.S. residents and ends 10/31/13 at 11:59pm.

Prepare for a wickedly fun time this Halloween when you try your hand at Vanessa Spencer’s clever chalkboard pumpkin project. With only several supplies and tons of creativity, discover how to recreate your own set to charm your guests and display alongside your traditional décor items this fall season. Directions: 1) Paint the paper mache pumpkins with […]

Prepare for a wickedly fun time this Halloween when you try your hand at Vanessa Spencer’s clever chalkboard pumpkin project. With only several supplies and tons of creativity, discover how to recreate your own set to charm your guests and display alongside your traditional décor items this fall season.

2) Prime the pumpkin: Rub real chalk on the surface and then wipe off the remaining chalk dust.

3) Pick your favorite colored chalkboard marker, and write Halloween-inspired musings onto the pumpkins. Use your imagination to come up with inventive words like charmed, wicked, and haunted. Markers are best to use because the writing won’t rub off nearly as easily as regular chalk.

*Hint: To add more textures, you can create festive leaves using washi tape and wire. Just layer the tape onto the wire (overlapping the pieces and layering) and then cut into a leaf shape. Create multiple leaves and then attach them by wrapping the wires around the top of the pumpkins. If you have guests over, you can write their names on the leaves to use as place cards.

Now you’re ready to celebrate this Halloween by stacking these interesting, decorative pieces on your dinner table as a centerpiece, or in a window to surprise visitors.

Discover even more inspiring do-it-yourself projects when you check out The Studio.

Special Sale:Get 10% off brand-new mini paper mache pumpkins for one week only!

*Reminder: Don’t forget to jump on board our first ever blog hop! If you liked this pumpkin paper-mache project, you’ll be floored when you see art journal tutorials by talented artists like: